I walked back to my hotel room more than satisfied with my victory from this afternoon. I had the gold metal slung around my neck in pride. I wanted everyone to know what I had accomplished. That I was a champion; that I am the champion.
Emma walked beside me, just as proud about her silver medal. If she was upset she definitely wasn’t showing it, based off of the huge smile on her face. Just outside the door to my room I was stopped by none other than Jamie Benn. I swear the guy was stalking me; it was bad enough that I had to neighbouring with him, but I swear that now I was seeing him everywhere.
“What was with you being at the bottom of the hill? Waiting for me or something?” I questioned, annoyed as Emma slipped into my room, leaving me in the hall with Jamie.
“Actually, at first I was curious, and then I really got into the event.” He said matter-of-factly.
“And waiting for me at the bottom was just a coincidence?” I asked, fiddling with my snowboard, annoyed.
“That was by accident. But hey, you were really good; I mean I’d love to hear your story about how you got into snowboarding. Like you’re unreal.” That caught me off guard.
“What?” I could feel my face heating up, and butterflies form in my stomach. Was the annoying Jamie Benn making me nervous?
“I don’t know I’ve never really had an interest in snowboarding but you made me want to watch.” Who knew Jamie could flirt? I bit my lip subconsciously and smiled.
“Wait,” snapping out of it, “What are you trying to do?”
“I don’t know.” Now it was his turn to blush. “Maybe do you want to go out for dinner or something tonight?”
“YES!” I heard from inside my room. Fuck Emma.
“Good, I’ll meet you out here around six? There’s a nice little restaurant down the street from the hotel. Don’t be late.” Jamie said, back to his cocky self.
“Sure.” There was no way I was getting out of this one, not under Emma’s control. I put my head down and sulked into my room, ready to attack Emma.
I looked around but couldn’t find her in the main room. Still carrying my snowboard I turned the corner into the small hallway near my bathroom, and found Emma going through my drawers. Setting my snowboard aside, and kicking off my boots, I approached her.
“What was that?! Setting me up with Jamie?” I said trying to sound irritated, which I honestly couldn’t be with this girl.
“I saw the way he looked at you after you won gold. Just give him a chance; I’m sure he’s a nice guy.” She said smugly.
“The way he looked at me?” I questioned.
“Abbey, the admiration and amazement in his eyes could only be described as what a habs fan would look like meeting Maurice Richard.” Oh the Quebecois….
“Really?” I couldn’t remember the last time any boy had looked at me. I was way to hung up on snowboarding- some may say pretentious- to worry about guys.
“Yes, Abbey.” She said, throwing her blonde hair up into a bun. “Now we have to get you ready for this date.”
“Alright.” I reluctantly agreed. Maybe letting loose for one night wouldn’t be so bad.
“Good. Now first step is a shower. You smell like a helmet.” I laughed at her, while walking into the bathroom.

---

At six o’clock, as promised, Jamie was at my door to pick me up. I had opted to wear a cream knitted sweater, leggings and moccasins, nothing to say that I was trying too hard for him, much to Emma’s discontent. My hair was also slightly curly, due to letting it air dry.
When I heard the knocks against the wood door, I began to feel nervous. This was the first date I’d gone on since high school… what do you even do on a date?I opened the door, and put on a huge smile, which slowly dropped into a face of awe. Jamie was wearing a tight black v-neck, probably on purpose, to show off his very defined muscles.
“Quit staring would ya?” He joked. My face went red yet again.
“Shut it, Benn. Let’s just get this date over with so Emma can stop harassing me.” I said, walking out of the room, with Jamie following.
“Whatever you say… Paquet.” He said with a smirk, draping his arm around my shoulders as we walked down the hall.

Notes